Genealogy software
We can create a family tree or pedigree with the appropriate software. Most software are designed for Windows. However, there are also software for Apple Mac, IOs and Android users.
The choice is not easy. However, you should always keep on your mind:
1 The software should be easy to set up and use.
2 The software should enable your language.
How should the family tree look like?
All roads lead to Rome.
The horizontal arrangement = the oldest ancestors are at the top and the descendants are at the bottom.
The vertical arrangement = the oldest ancestors are on the left and the descendants on the right.
The hourglass = the central point is our grandfather and from him follow the ancestors above and the descendants below.
The circle = At the core is our oldest ancestor and on the outside are the descendants.
We can design the family tree in any way you like. We can limit our family tree to any number of generations, like three generations. The second option is just a line pedigree. In most cases, however, all relatives are shown, like the largest family tree.
I have tested numerous programs for you. The list was created in 2021. However, the developers are constantly bringing updates to the market. Have you discovered new software or have you discovered something new in the existing software, please help me to keep the list up to date. Write me your opinion and suggestions.
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is great for anyone who likes to write. We can create biographies of individuals, write down stories, etc.
Like
The software can be found on almost every PC with Windows.
Could be better
The software is part of the Microsoft Office package and is not free.
We can't draw a family tree.
Power Point
The software is primarily designed for presentations. The graphic My Family Tree is available for download.
Like
Simple and clear.
Could be better
We need to buy Microsoft Office.
We can only create a family tree with four generations.
Brother's Keeper
The software is widespread in the English-speaking world and there is also a German version. The software is simple and clearly structured.
The software is not free, but the trial period is not limited. However, if you enjoy the software, please buy the software, and thus support the developer. The purchase price is only $45.
Like
Simple and clear.
We can make a big family tree.
Could be better
The family tree is shown with simple strokes and looks rustic.
You can download it here https://www.bkwin.org/
My Heritage Family Tree Builder
The software is user-friendly and allows the input of numerous data. The software is free. The data is synchronized and stored externally on the company servers.
In the premium version there is still Smart Match. Smart Match searches other users' family trees and shows us people with the same data.
Like
User friendly.
Easy to handle.
Multi language.
Various display options.
Could be better
The data is stored externally and displayed to third parties through Smart Match.
Smart Match searches for people with the same first and last names. The proposed person may or may not be the same.
Download here https://www.myheritage.si/family-tree-builder
Agelong Tree
The software is user-friendly and offers numerous functions. The large profile pictures of people are very positive.
Like
Clear view.
Very large profile pictures.
Could be better
Chargeable.
Trial limited to 40 people.
You can download it here https://genery.com/
Ahnenblatt
A German software. Simple and structured. The children are not automatically displayed according to their age, but according to the input. Very helpful function if you want to represent the last child in the middle. The family tree is displayed in a structured way.
Like
User friendly.
Could be better
For Windows users only.
Chargeable.
Trial version allows the entry of a maximum of 50 people.
Background images are partially protected with watermarks in the trial version.
You can download it here https://www.ahnenblatt.de/
Ancestral Quest
The software is constantly being developed and in 2022 the XVI. Generation. A success that the users also appreciate. The software is great and offers numerous functions. I must mention three special features: Home Print, Smart search and Family Book. Home Print allows you to print family trees on your printer at home. Smart search scans the internet for people listed in our family tree. Family Book creates a family book.
Like
Numerous functions.
Homeprint.
Family Book.
Could be better
Basic version is free.
Smart search may suggest wrong person.
Download here https://www.ancquest.com/index.htm
Ancestris
Among the numerous functions we must highlight the map view. In the map view we get a geographical overview. The web book is also a great function. With the Web Book we can create a digital family book.
Like
For free.
Map view.
Could be better
Web Book could be better.
You can download it here https://www.ancestris.org/index.html
Family Historian
The software is user-friendly and allows the input of numerous information. Very many family tree options. It offers the creation of family reports with the index of all persons. The software also offers a map view.
Like
Creation of large family trees.
Family report with index of persons.
Map view.
Could be better
Trial limited to 30 days.
Download here https://www.family-historian.co.uk/
Family TreeMaker
The software offers more than just creating family trees. The first feature that will delight us is the Hints feature. Hints searches for data in the Mormon database and shows us matches. Profile pictures are automatically cropped by the software to be the same size. Did you make a mistake and save shortly after? No problem, with the Turn Back Time function you can call up the saved version before the error. With the TreeVault Cloud Services feature, you can store your data in the clouds. Even if the PC comes in, your data is stored securely. AlbumWALK creates a photo album with all family members.
Like
Turn back time.
TreeVault Cloud Services.
Album WALK.
Could be better
Hints is useless for most Europeans.
Hints and TreeVault provide access to the external family tree.
Chargeable.
Download here https://www.mackiev.com/ftm/
GEDitCOM II
The software is suitable for all Apple fans. We can create a family tree and family report. In the family record, Genealogy Book, we can also add media files. With the Genealogy Web Side feature, we can create a web page about our family.
Like
Numerous solutions.
Genealogy Book.
Genealogy Web Side.
Could be better
Only for PCs with MacOS.
Chargeable.
You can download it here http://www.geditcom.com/index.html
Genbox Family History
We can add a note to each person. We can print the family tree at home on the printer. The family tree is created flexibly, and we can intervene afterwards. Individual people can be coloured in order to get a better overview. We can create a family report.
Like
Very flexible.
Numerous functions.
Could be better
Chargeable.
You can download it here http://www.genbox.com/
GenealogyJ
A simple software for personal use. Offers everything a normal consumer needs. Visually, the software is not up to date and therefore looks rustic, but it serves its purpose.
Like
Very easy to set up.
For free.
Could be better
Appearance is behind the competition.
You can download it here https://sourceforge.net/projects/genj/
GenoPro
The software is great for creating family trees. The developers have also integrated special functions that will particularly delight those who deal with health. Medical Record enables the creation of a health record. Infection tracking allows early detection of a disease, but only works with a DNA test. Criminal History will delight all CSI fans. The function allows the creation of criminal files. With Picture Mode we can create a family tree with only photos.
Like
Picture Mode.
Genealogy is coupled with health.
Could be better
Chargeable.
Infection tracking requires a DNA test.
You can download it here https://genopro.com/
Gramps
Numerous functions, among other things, we can make references. We can integrate media files and the software offers a map view. We can represent the family tree in different ways, like the circular shape.
Like
Allows attribution.
New ways of displaying the family tree.
Could be better
Circular shape is unsuitable for large family trees.
You can download it here https://gramps-project.org/blog/
Heredis
The software is connected to numerous American databases and, with the help of Person Match, shows us people with the same names. We can create the family tree in different forms. We can create a family book and family site. The software works on all devices, even on mobile phones, whether Android or iOS.
Like
Works on all devices.
Numerous functions.
Could be better
Chargeable.
The trial is limited to 50 people.
You can download it here https://www.heredis.com/en/
Kith and Kin Pro
The software is equipped with all the functions you need. Visually, the software is not up to date.
Like
Simple and user friendly.
The family tree is very clear.
Could be better
Visually out of date.
You can download it here https://kithkinpro.spansoft.org/index.php
Legacy Family Tree
The software is connected to numerous American databases and, with the help of Person Match, shows us people with the same names. We can create a hashtag for each person, allowing our ancestors to find other users. We can make lists, like Marriage List, Chronological List, etc.
Like
The software is free.
Creation of lists.
We can customize the view.
Could be better
Person match is not 100%.
Download here https://legacyfamilytree.com/
MacFamily Tree
The software offers numerous functions. Numerous possibilities to display the family tree. We can create a family report, map view and statistics. Photos can be edited, touched up and even coloured.
Like
There are numerous wallpapers to choose from.
Family report.
Map view.
Create statistics.
Could be better
Chargeable.
For Apple devices only.
You can download it here https://www.syniumsoftware.com/macfamilytree
Reunion
User friendly. Allows the creation of large family trees. Developed for cell phones and mobile devices.
Like
Creation of 99 generations, so about 2500 years.
Reminder function, like Birthday of relatives.
Could be better
For iOS devices only.
Trial limited to 50 people.
You can download it here https://www.leisterpro.com/
RootsMagic
Includes all modern features. Allows creation of family trees and integration of multimedia files. Connected to the American databases and allows Person Match.
Like
Person match.
Export files to Word or Excel.
Very nice designed.
Could be better
Chargeable.
Person Match can show wrong person.
Download here https://www.rootsmagic.com/
The Master Genealogist
Development has stopped and the software is no longer updated.
Personal Ancestral File
Development has stopped and the software is no longer updated.
